The "Russian street" is in a deep funk, with the opposition divided and disheartened. Reformists in the elite are on the ropes, outgunned and outmaneuvered by siloviki and statists determined to maintain the status quo.

Emigration is on the rise and the crackdown on dissent continues apace with no signs of it abating.

When mass protests broke out a year-and-a-half ago, it appeared Russia was on the cusp of a major transformation. But now it looks like that was all an illusion.

In the latest edition of "The Power Vertical Podcast," I discuss Russia’s deepening Thermidor with co-host Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies and author of "Sean’s Russia Blog."

Also joining us for his debut appearance on the podcast is Kevin Rothrock, project editor for RuNet Echo at Global Voices and author of the Russian affairs blog "A Good Treaty."

In this week's podcast, Sean, Kevin, and I also discuss the intrigue and maneuvering surrounding the upcoming mayoral election in Moscow.

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About This Blog

The Power Vertical is a blog written especially for Russia wonks and obsessive Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It offers Brian's personal take on emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today. Check out The Power VerticalFacebookpage or Follow @PowerVertical